PINA

The Commonwealth People's Forum — the largest gathering of civil society in the Commonwealth — convened leading climate negotiators and experts in Apia to discuss how the Commonwealth can deliver climate justice for communities on the frontlines of global heating. Ahead of what civil society is billing as the 'Finance COP', Commonwealth advocates call for fairer and more practical accessible...

In the small village of Siumu, south of the capital Apia, locals have been busy cleaning the sides of the road and hoisting British flags as they prepare for a historic visit from King Charles III. Bamboo has been planted on the roadside, coconuts and houses painted blue, white and red in the colours of the Samoan flag. Children will...

People who live in villages along the Samoan coastline where a New Zealand navy ship ran aground, caught fire and sank this month are worried about their livelihoods and the future of tourism and fishing in the area as they prepare for the arrival of Britain's King Charles III on Wednesday. Under clear skies Tuesday, shortly after sunrise in the...

A perspective on the history and future of the Pacific Islands News Association from incoming President Kalafi Moala The Pacific Islands Media Freedom (PIMF) Index 2023, published by the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF), referred to challenges facing regional media. The report State of Media Freedom, what are the key challenges? says that respondents were asked to list issues from 1...

Incorporating new scientific data, experts issued statements urging action on the global goal to protect 30 percent of the ocean by 2030 at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), from 21-26 October. This year's meeting marks the first time the 56 member countries--49 of which share a land border with water--will take place in a Pacific nation. King...

The Ocean Declaration that will be agreed upon at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will be known as the Apia Ocean Declaration. In an exclusive interview with the Samoa Observer, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said members were in a unique position to bring their voices together for the oceans, which have long been neglected. “The Apia Ocean Declaration aims...

Commonwealth leaders are being urged to work harder to get rid of the barriers and biases that continue to hold back women and girls in the 56 member countries. This urgent appeal comes from a report that represents the voices of more than 400 delegates, including prime ministers, ministers, women’s rights advocates and business leaders, who attended the Commonwealth Women’s...

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has officially confirmed Glasgow as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event to be held in the United Kingdom, which will take place from 23 July to 02 August 2026. 12 years on from the successful 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland, will again host a 10-sport programme concentrated in four...

World Rugby has announced the match schedule for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, setting the stage for six weekends of compelling competition in what promises to be the largest celebration of women’s rugby. A spectacular opening weekend will see hosts England face USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Friday, 22 August, 2025, while reigning champions New Zealand will begin...

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced Speaker of Parliament and paramount chief of Cakaudrove confederacy Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu as his nominee for the next President of Fiji after the incumbent, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, withdrew from the race for a second term. “On 17 October 2024, I wrote to the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere seeking his approval and consent to...